"Collect!"
The familiar System interface appeared before Chen Yilun.
"Challenge task: Become the 2014-2015 General Manager of the Year completed. Reward: Ace Manager Badge."
Ace Manager Badge: Can only be bound to the host. Greatly increases the host's success rate in recruiting free agents and significantly boosts the loyalty of team players to the host!
"Challenge task: Lead the Kings to the playoffs completed. Reward: Top Boost Pack + Random Badge."
"Host has completed all tasks. Issuing special reward: Badge Removal Card x1."
Badge Removal Card?
Chen Yilun studied it closely. Badge Removal Card: Can remove one bound badge. Disappears after use!
Excellent! Chen Yilun felt a surge of excitement. The System had finally given him a safety net.
He opened the Top Boost Pack.
As soon as Chen Yilun silently chanted, a golden turntable appeared before him. The pointer spun and slowly stopped on a square.
"Congratulations on obtaining: Stuntman Gold Badge."
Stuntman: Greatly increases a player's success rate on difficult layups at the rim.
The Random Badge turned out to be a First Step Master Bronze Badge.
First Step Master Bronze Badge: Slightly increases a player's burst speed out of the triple-threat position.
Two badges for ball handlers. Chen Yilun glanced at his ever-expanding System inventory. Like stockpiling reserves, he had more and more stored up. The real question was how best to use them.
"Mr. Chen, I've really troubled you these past two days!"
In line with local tradition, after a game it was time for a business dinner.
This time, Director Zhang had his secretary book the restaurant in advance. Chen Yilun attended with his assistant, Tang Zhou.
Almost all the key figures of the men's basketball management team were there, even Yao Ming, who had just flown in the day before.
After several rounds of drinks and plates of food, the conversation finally shifted to business.
"The scouts' feedback has been pretty good," Chen Yilun began after swallowing a mouthful.
"Especially Zhou Qi, Da Wang, and Ding Yanyuhang. Their names came up the most. They're definitely worth keeping an eye on."
"If I'm not mistaken, Zhou Qi and Da Wang should both be in next year's draft class, right?"
"Yes, exactly!" Director Zhang quickly added.
"That makes this year all the more important. We need them to prove themselves. Scouts here are shrewd—no matter how much hype I generate, they won't draft players who can't deliver."
"Of course!"
The two clinked glasses and continued.
"Mr. Chen, what about the training camp spots?"
"That's no problem!" Chen Yilun patted his chest confidently. "Next month, Rudy Gay will hold an internal training camp. I've already spoken to him. We should be able to secure two spots. If that's not enough, there are other camps. I'll make sure we get in."
"And about the plan we discussed earlier—I spoke with several NCAA coaches recently. As long as it doesn't take up scholarship spots, sneaking in one or two players isn't a big issue."
As he spoke, Chen Yilun's eyes met Coach Gong's. They had already aligned before the dinner, so he continued without hesitation.
"By the way, what's the team's schedule after this competition?"
"Nothing planned for now," Director Zhang replied after a moment's thought. The national team's official training camp wouldn't start until September.
"Good. That's perfect," Chen Yilun said, getting straight to the point. "My partner, Coach Malone, mentioned after the game that Ding Yanyuhang looked really good. The Summer League starts in a couple of days. If Ding is free, why not let him stay in Sacramento and play in it?"
The lively table instantly fell silent.
"This..."
Director Zhang hesitated, glancing at Coach Gong and Yao Ming.
Coach Gong, the man pulling the strings, stared at his food and pretended not to hear. After thinking it over, Yao Ming finally spoke.
"Ding Yanyuhang really is promising. If there's a chance, we should give him all the support we can. Don't you agree, Director Zhang?"
"But the higher-ups..." Director Zhang left the rest unsaid, but the meaning was clear.
"It's fine. I'll call the chairman myself. This is a good thing—playing in the Summer League will only help Ding's future."
With Yao Ming taking the lead, Director Zhang felt relieved.
"Alright then. In principle, I agree."
The dinner ended on a positive note.
...
"Did you hear?!"
As Captain Zhou opened his door, Guo Ailun rushed in, pointing at Ding Yanyuhang, who was still lying on the bed playing with his phone.
"You brat! You brat..."
"Calm down and talk properly. What's going on?" Zhou was just about to close the door when a large hand pressed against it.
Yi Jianlian, Da Wang, Zhou Qi, Zhao Jiwei, and the others filed in one after another.
"What is this? Holding a meeting in my room now?" Zhou looked at the crowded space, completely bewildered.
"You don't know yet?" Guo Ailun finally caught his breath. "At dinner just now, when Coach Gong took them out, Chen Yilun openly poached someone—he called you out by name and said he wants you to play in the Summer League!"
"What? Me?!"
With a loud thud, Ding Yanyuhang's phone flew in a perfect arc and crashed to the floor.
He sprang up from the bed, staring wide-eyed at Guo Ailun.
"Why me?"
"Quit playing dumb," Guo Ailun scoffed. "What else could it be? They see your potential and want to give you a shot."
Ding's heart pounded with excitement. The Summer League was part of the NBA. For a player like him, already nearing the age limit, it was the perfect springboard into the league.
But after the excitement came hesitation. "Then... then... can I really go?"
"Yes!"
A deep voice sounded from the doorway.
Yao Ming ducked into the room.
"I just spoke with the chairman. Don't worry—go and play with confidence. If anything comes up, I'll back you up!"
Yao Ming walked over to Ding and placed his massive hand on his shoulder.
"If you're going to play, play your best. Don't hold back."
"Good! Keep your head up and don't embarrass us!"